This is a genus of about 65 herbaceous or evergreen bulbous plants in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) native to the southern US and South America. These plants are mainly found in tropical areas of the Americas and those found in the southern United States inhabit wet areas such as marshes, streambanks, and seashores. Oher species are found in drier areas as hillsides and mountains. The genus name is derived from the Greek words ὑμήν ( hymen ), meaning "membrane", and καλός ( kalos ), meaning "beautiful". They generally prefer good drainage and grow well in a soil rich with organic matter in full sun to partial shade. The flower stalk arises from a basal rossette of strap-shaped leaves with fragrant terminal flowers in various colors. The flowers have six narrow, long petals surrounding a fused cup, giving them the common name of spider lily. Most species require a tropical area or a greenhouse to grow. The North American species H. occidentalis can grow as far north as zone 5 and can be grown in borders or in groups of pollinator gardens. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious issues. Occasional issues with snails, caterpillars and mealy bugs can occur. Additional Hymenocallis Images at Juniper Level Botanic Garden
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Bulb; Herbaceous Perennial; Perennial; Poisonous; Water Plant
Life cycle
Perennial
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Frequent Standing Water | Good Drainage | Occasionally Wet
Available space
Less than 12 inches; 12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Arching; Erect
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Blue; Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Rosulate
Leaf shape
Linear
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Fleshy
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Arising directly from the bulb, the long, fleshy, basal, strap-like foliage. The leaves can be erect or arching, bright green to blue/green. Depending on the location, they can be deciduous or evergreen.
Flower color
Cream/Tan; Gold/Yellow; White
Flower value
Fragrant; Good Cut; Good Dried; Showy
Flower form
Head; Umbel
Flower shape
Funnel
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
The flowers are fragrant, white or ivory, 6-parted, and funnel-shaped. Six (6) stamens are connected at the base with a thin white membrane. Gives the impression of a spidery daffodil.
Bloom time
Summer
Stem detail
Thick, two-edged or rounded, leafless stalk or stems.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
USA, NC, South America
Distribution
Southern Coastal Plain
Wildlife value
Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers.